Collaborative Visioning: Proceed With Caution!: Results From Evaluating Atlanta's Vision 2020 Project

Abstract

VISION 2020, a collaborative visioning project in the Atlanta, Georgia metropolitan region, was very effective in promoting interpersonal interaction on regional issues; but it yielded few clearly significant, immediate results from its list of action initiatives, produced no plan capable of attaining the vision, and required the commitment of $4.4 million in resources. The paper argues that these outcomes were caused by (1) setting process rather than outcome objectives, (2) requiring consensus without having the means to spur compromise, and (3) de-emphasizing the importance of substantive planning expertise and information without reference to an alternative standard of accuracy or source of public credibility. The paper recommends public consideration of seven fundamental questions before committing resources to such a project: What are the purpose and the goals? What is the timetable for action? How will achievement be measured? What will the standards for evidence be? Will the process be representative? What will the project's opportunity cost be? What will the project add to planning?